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Southwest Career & Technical Academy

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Choosing a College that’s Right for You

With over 3,500 colleges and universities in the United States, there’s a four-year or two-year college or technical school to meet the needs and interests of any student. The sooner you start to think about college, the more options you will have.

Choices – 4 year degree

• Bachelors Degree

– Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science

Students take major courses plus general education and a minor with electives totaling 124 – 132 units.

Choices – 2 year degreeAssociate Degree

– AA or AS degree. Students take general education courses and electives totaling approximately 62-65 credits.

– Transfer program is available to local or state colleges as well as public and private institutions.

Service Academies

Many applications for the service academies, ROTC scholarships, and the Merchant Marines are due the end of your junior year or the beginning of your senior year. Some will require a politically affiliated recommendation.

• Meet with your counselor to discuss college choices.

• Attend college presentations at your high school.

• Research federal, state, private, and university-based-scholarships.

In Advance…

NSHE Institutions

What College is Right?

How can you find colleges that match your needs? First, identify your priorities. Next, carefully research the characteristics of a range of schools. Finally, match the two.

Some College Characteristics to Consider

• Size

• Location

• Academic Opportunities

• Campus Life

• Diversity

• Retention and Graduation Rates

• Cost

Size Does Matter

Size will affect many of your opportunities and experiences, including:

• range of academic majors offered • extracurricular possibilities • amount of personal attention you'll receive • number of books in the library • access to labs, computing centers, athletic facilities, etc.

When considering size, be very sure to look beyond the raw number of students attending. For example, perhaps you're considering a small department within a large school. Investigate not just the number of faculty, but also how accessible faculty members are to students.

Location, Location, Location

Do you want to visit home frequently, or do you see this as a time to experience a new part of the country? Perhaps you like an urban environment with access to museums, ethnic food, or major league ball games. Or maybe you hope for easy access to the outdoors or the serenity of a small town.

Academic Opportunities

If you know what you want to study, research reputations of academic departments by talking to people in the fields that interest you. If you're undecided, relax and pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs. Most colleges offer counseling to help you find a focus.

Campus Life

Consider what your college life will be like beyond the classroom. Aim for a balance between academics, activities, and social life. Before choosing a college, learn the answers to these questions:

• What extracurricular activities, athletics, and special interest groups are available?

• Does the community around the college offer interesting outlets for students?

• Are students welcomed by the community? • Is there an ethnic or religious group in which to take part? • How do fraternities and sororities influence campus life? • Is housing guaranteed? • How are dorms assigned?

Diversity

Explore what you might gain from a diverse student body. Think about the geographic, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity of the students as a means of learning more about the world. Investigate what kinds of student organizations or other groups with ethnic or religious foundations are active and visible on campus.

Retention and Graduation Rates

One of the best ways to measure a school's quality and the satisfaction of its students is to learn the percent of students who return after the first year and the percent of entering students who remain to graduate. Comparatively good retention and graduation rates are indicators that responsible academic, social, and financial support systems exist for most students.

What Colleges Look For

• Mission

• Well-rounded student vs. well-rounded student body

• The middle 50%

Factors Influencing Admission Decisions

Source: Admission Trends Survey 2011, NACAC

Parts of the College Application

• GPA/Transcript• Test Scores• Resume• Essay• Letters of Recommendation• Interview• Supplemental Information• Audition

Factors Colleges Consider When Choosing Students

The Academic Record – the TranscriptThe transcript is considered one of the most important pieces in the application packet by most colleges.

What does your transcript say about you?-- grades-- class rank-- rigor of curriculum

Stand out in the admissions process

“One of the best standard predictors of academic success at Harvard is performance on Advanced Placement Examinations.”

—William R. FitzsimmonsDean of Admissions, Harvard University

“AP Exams affirm the rigor of a student’s course work. Though admissions policies vary, if I were a student, I wouldn’t assume that the college of my dreams didn’t care about AP Exams in the admissions process.”

—Bruce Walker, Director of AdmissionsUniversity of Texas at Austin

• Colleges use the test scores as a way to check against unequal opportunities, variable standards and grade inflation.

• Some colleges use SAT or ACT scores for placement and scholarship opportunities.

• Test scores are only one among many factors that colleges use to make admission decisions.

How Do Colleges Use Standardized Tests?

The SAT® and ACT ® provides a valid, nationally consistent measure

of what students have learned and how well they apply that knowledge.

The SAT® and ACT ® provides a valid, nationally consistent measure

of what students have learned and how well they apply that knowledge.

The EssayThe Essay

• Colleges are looking for “sparkle” in a student. The way to communicate this is through the college essay.

This can be the distinguishing factor in the decision-making. When two students have equal qualifications, it can come

down to the essay.

The Essay• The essay is a chance to set yourself apart from the other applicants. An effective

essay is one that leaves the reader feeling like he has gotten to know you, and he likes what he sees.

• Keep in mind that a good essay can strengthen your application … a weak essay can spoil your chances … and average essay will do little to compel the admissions counselor reading it to decide in your favor.

• Be sure to answer the question of that particular college.

• Print out all your college applications and compare essay questions. Some can be used twice.

• Essays need to be reviewed with – teachers parents

counselor friends

Letters of Recommendation

• Teacher(s) and/or Counselor

Usually two – English/Math. Choose the teacher wisely; ask politely. Make sure the

teacher is familiar with you. Give at least two weeks notice. Letters of recommendation

can sometimes take a long time to write. Provide your teacher with a copy of your résumé and a

stamped, addressed envelope. (If not using online.) If there is a Teacher Recommendation Form or Secondary

School Report Form from the application, be sure to have your part filled out before giving it to the teacher or counselor.

Make sure the person writing the letter knows the deadline.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION WILL NOT BE SHARED WITH THE STUDENT OR THE PARENT.

The Interview

• Interviews are an opportunity for a student to learn more about the college and for the college to learn more about the student.

• Optional vs. Required

• If an interview is optional, be sure to make an effort to take one. It might be with an admissions representative in person, on the telephone, or with a local alum.

Application DeadlinesApplication Deadlines

• Regular DecisionRegular Decision• Early DecisionEarly Decision• Early ActionEarly Action• Rolling AdmissionsRolling Admissions• Deferred AdmissionDeferred Admission

What You Should Do

• Research, research, research!

• Know and meet ALL deadlines

• Create options for yourself

• Visit campuses

• Have family discussions

• Be true to yourself

• Develop an organization system

BigFuture™

Getting Started

Make a Plan

Finding Colleges

College Search Tool

Get In

Pay for College

Cost

Today's college price tag makes cost an important consideration for most students. At the same time, virtually all colleges work to ensure that academically qualified students from every economic circumstance can find financial aid that allows them to attend. In considering cost, look beyond the price tag.

Financial Aid: How Does it Work?

The financial aid system is based on the goal of equal access-that anyone should be able to attend college, regardless of financial circumstances.

•Everyone Should Apply for Aid

•Remind students that not all aid applications are the same:

• Federal (FAFSA)• State (Varies)• Institutional (CSS/Financial

Aid PROFILE® or school specific)

• Scholarship (Remind student to be aware of scams.)

•Awards will vary by college for the same student based on available funds, awarding policies, cost, etc.

Five Things to Remember About Financial Aid During These Difficult Times

•Compare award letters on multiple criteria: total aid, type of aid offered, loans versus grants/scholarships, etc.

•Ask the right questions:– Is the grant renewable?– What are the terms for

renewing?– Is amount of work-study

realistic?– Will aid increase if cost of

attendance increases?

Financial Aid: How Does it Work?

• Students and their families are expected to contribute to the cost of college to the extent that they are able.

• If a family is unable to contribute the entire cost, financial aid is available to bridge the gap.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance includes a college’s tuition and fees, on- or off-campus housing, meal plan, and estimated costs for books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses (clothing, toiletries, entertainment, etc.).

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

EFC is determined by analyzing the family’s financial information, such as:

• Taxable and untaxable income• Assets (bank accounts, stock funds, real estate,

etc.• Unusual expenses (i.e. high medical bills)• Number of children in family• Number of children that are undergraduates• How close parents are to retirement age

How EFC is Determined

• Federal Methodology– Based on family income and assets, NOT

including equity in the family home

• Institutional Methodology– Based on family income and assets, including

home equity

Eligibility for Financial Aid

• Your eligibility for financial aid is determined by subtracting your Expected Family Contribution from the Cost of Attendance

Types of Financial Aid

• Gift Aid (Grants and Scholarships)

• Loans

• Work-Study

University

Family

Federal & State Government

YOU

A Partnership to Educate

University

Family

Federal & State

Government

YOU

• Savings• Summer Job• Parent Loans• Work-Study• Student Loans

Shared Responsibility

University

Family

Federal & State

Government

YOU

Shared Responsibility

Millennium Scholarship Requirements

• Graduate with a diploma from a Nevada public or private high school.

• 3.25 cumulative GPA (weighted or un-weighted).• Core curriculum:4 English4 Math (including Alg II)3 Natural Science3 Social Science & HistoryFor a TOTAL of 14 core unitsReside in Nevada for at least two of your high school years.

University

Family

Federal & State Government

YOU

University GrantsUniversity ScholarshipsWork-Study

Shared Responsibility

Applying for Financial Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov•If you have your taxes and W-2s, the FAFSA should take only 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

• You don’t have to wait to file your taxes; you can use last year’s info to estimate and submit corrections later.

•Both the parent and student will need to request a PIN, which serves as your electronic signature. You can get that now.

•The longer you wait to complete the FAFSA, the less likely you are to receive scholarships and grants.

CSS PROFILE

• Simplified process

• PROFILE fit to applicant and parents

– Eliminates questions not relevant to the filer

– Simplifies and clarifies instructions

• After Registration step, PROFILE will “know” which questions to present

• Available October 1st

Gift Aid

• Grants (Usually based upon need)– These are funds usually distributed by government programs that do not

have to be repaid. Must qualify based on income. Some colleges and universities also have various grant programs.

– Pell Grant – Largest federal student aid program. Awards range up to $5,550 per year

• Scholarships (Usually based upon talent or personal attributes)

Student Loans• Direct Subsidized Loans—Direct Subsidized Loans are for students with

financial need. Your school will review the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determine the amount you can borrow. You are not charged interest while you’re in school at least half-time and during grace periods and deferment periods.

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans—You are not required to demonstrate financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Like subsidized loans, your school will determine the amount you can borrow. Interest accrues (accumulates) on an unsubsidized loan from the time it’s first paid out. You can pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, or you can allow it to accrue and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of your loan). If you choose not to pay the interest as it accrues, this will increase the total amount you have to repay because you will be charged interest on a higher principal amount.

• First year limit: $5,500, with no more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

Direct PLUS Loans for Parents

• The parent borrower must be the student's biological or adoptive parent. In some cases, the student's stepparent may be eligible.

• The student must be a dependent student who is enrolled at least half-time at a school that participates in the Direct Loan Program.

• The parent borrower must not have an adverse credit history (a credit check will be done). If the parent does not pass the credit check, the parent may still receive a loan if someone (such as a relative or friend who is able to pass the credit check) agrees to endorse the loan. The parent may also still receive a loan if he or she can demonstrate extenuating circumstances.

• The student and parent must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, must not be in default on any federal education loans or owe an overpayment on a federal education grant, and must meet other general eligibility requirements for the federal student aid programs.

• The annual limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to the student's cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. For example, if the cost of attendance is $6,000 and the student receives $4,000 in other financial aid, the student's parent can request up to $2,000.

Finding Scholarships

• Apply to as many as possible• Research local scholarships first• Check membership organizations and

employers• Use a free scholarship search service• NEVER pay for scholarship information• What must the student do to keep the

scholarship• Deadlines are CRITICAL!!!

Additional Scholarship Resources

• FastWeb• Parent’s Employer• Cultural Scholarships• Google “Scholarships”• Public Education Foundation• Community or Religious• Collegeboard.com• Facebook: My College Dollars

57

College Board–MTV Collaboration“My College Dollars”

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The Result: MyCollegeDollars

RECAP

–Remember to research and apply to local colleges and universities.

–Deadlines are everything!!!!

–Your application represents you. Make sure it does a good job.

RECAP–Thoroughly research financial aid

options

–Visit campuses

–Begin early

–Ask questions

–Request final transcripts

The WaitThe Wait

• Colleges send out their decisions at different times, according the types of admissions policies they have.

• Some notify by mail, thick or thin envelopes, or through the college’s website.

• One thing to remember, admissions offers have been rescinded due to poor grades earned during Senior year or by significant class schedule changes.

2012 College Fair Plus

• Cashman Center• October 16th and 17th • 5:30 – 8:00 PM• Over 100 colleges participating• Breakout sessions --

– Scholarship Search– NCAA Student Athletes– How to Conquer the ACT/SAT!

www.ccsd.net/collegefair

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR

JOURNEY!!!

ejj@unr.edu